Thursday, June 29, 2017

The Russian Legion - How the Russians saved Messina

One of the very few existing images that show the work of the Russian sailors engaged in rescuing the survivors after the disastrous earthquake that struck the Italian town of Messina in 1908

The earthquake of Messina, in 1908, was an exceptional event for many reasons. One was it size; with some 150.000 casualties, it was one of the largest recorded in history up to then. One curious facet of this story was the role that the Russian Navy played in it.

Yet, the Russian rescue expedition created an exceptional feeling of gratitude in Italy. There was something in the way the Russian sailors acted that left a deep impact.

So much that Italian poets engaged in praising Russia and the Russian sailors that went on for a few years after the earthquake. Below, a poem by Tommaso Cannizzaro (1838 – 1921). As poetry, it must be said it is not so great, but it seems sincere. It shows that there is some kind of natural mutual sympathy between Italians and Russians which still exists today (unless propaganda convinces them to hate each other)

The Russian Legion

They were young, handsome and they hadOn their face the ray of the stars of the Great BearAnd they jumped into the flames As lions into a thick forest.

And they took out of the fire the wailing peopleWhile at their feet were fallingWalls, beams and a shiver took holdOf the trembling crowd overlooking

Leaning down on the rubble to hearIf a rattle were coming from the bottomOf living people to help and save,

They were there, and their efforts were blessedBy the merciful sky - Century old historyWrote their names in its great book.